It’s going to be an intense World Cup match against Japan: Colombia’s coach

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Colombia’s national soccer coach Jose Pekerman may change the line-up of the team he pits against the attacking threat Japan poses in Colombia’s final group game of the 2014 Brazil World Cup, the coach said at a press conference on Tuesday.

World Cup 2014

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As Colombia has already secured its passage through to the round of 16 and almost confirming first place in the group, Tuesday’s match against Japan is not likely to change Colombia’s place in the next round.

Due to Colombia’s comfortable position, it is possible that Jose Pekerman may try to blood some fringe squad players who have not yet played a part in the first two matches.

“The objectives are to get experience and compete, but to always give importance to the game,” said Pekerman at the press conference Monday, and he added, “at the World Cup we have to take full advantage.”

“It’s going to be an intense match given the technical characteristics of the two teams and against rivals who need to win and will show the best they’ve got.”

Pekerman warned against complacency and said that Japan is a, “very technical team,” which, “attacks very fast,” and that it would require a strong performance from his Colombia squad.

Japan have lost their opening games and have already been eliminated in what has been a disappointing World Cup campaign, and Pekerman warned that Japan would be out looking to salvage some pride from their last game.

“It’s going to be an intense match given the technical characteristics of the two teams and against rivals who need to win and will show the best they’ve got,” he said.

Speaking about changing the starting lineup, Pekerman said, “until the last moment we have the option to vary, it depends on the state we find the boys.”

Speaking about his future, Pekerman was enthusiastic, and said that he “hopes to continue working hard for Colombia” and went onto say that the team “has been patient and when there are good players and they all work together towards one goal, there are always good results.”